I was considering a new Steinway model O but have recently realised that a Model B is the one to buy from playing one and as confirmed on this forum. My only concern is the size of my lounge which is 5.6 by 6.8 meters with standard ceiling height and wondered if this size piano will be overpowering in such a space?
All thoughts and experience welcome
Steinway model O or B?
Moderators: Feg, Gill the Piano, Melodytune
Re: Steinway model O or B?
If you can afford a new S&S grand, you should be able to afford a house with a bigger living room 
Serously, I don't think your room is necessarily too small for a B.
MV
Serously, I don't think your room is necessarily too small for a B.
MV
Re: Steinway model O or B?
No.
Buy.
Buy.
PG
The opinion above is purely that of PianoGuy and is simply the opinion of one person ....
If you're buying a piano, try as many as you can and buy the one you like, not a similar one of the same type.
The opinion above is purely that of PianoGuy and is simply the opinion of one person ....
If you're buying a piano, try as many as you can and buy the one you like, not a similar one of the same type.
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Barrie Heaton
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Re: Steinway model O or B?
Buy it you will not regret it the piano can be voiced to the room if needed
Barrie,
Barrie,
Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page
Web Master UK Piano Page
Re: Steinway model O or B?
Nice point re being able to afford a larger lounge - actually we live in a lovely cottage and are extending so hence the decision to upgrade to to a grand. However a country cottage with a mega music studio attached would not go down that well with the neighbours or the planners lol.
I currently have a Bluthner model A (any offers anyone?) which has a stunning sound but even this was a bit of an adjustment when I first got it as it seemed to over power the room. A blanket on a frame at the back stopped it echoing though. My playing has adjusted and got more sensitive too. I have looked at Bluthner grands and found them unconvincing and lacking presence. I have tried Yamaha and found them too bright and lacking depth and breath. Sorry folks.
So despite the price one pays for the brand I liked the Steinway O, the A seemed to be three inches for not much but the B seems a different proposition altogether.
These are not the musing of a professional pianist but an ex rock musician which a good ear who started from scratch with classical only 3 years ago. I adore the repertoire and just want my fumblings on the keys to sound the best they can. Great site by the way.
I currently have a Bluthner model A (any offers anyone?) which has a stunning sound but even this was a bit of an adjustment when I first got it as it seemed to over power the room. A blanket on a frame at the back stopped it echoing though. My playing has adjusted and got more sensitive too. I have looked at Bluthner grands and found them unconvincing and lacking presence. I have tried Yamaha and found them too bright and lacking depth and breath. Sorry folks.
So despite the price one pays for the brand I liked the Steinway O, the A seemed to be three inches for not much but the B seems a different proposition altogether.
These are not the musing of a professional pianist but an ex rock musician which a good ear who started from scratch with classical only 3 years ago. I adore the repertoire and just want my fumblings on the keys to sound the best they can. Great site by the way.
Re: Steinway model O or B?
I'd agree with the A being no great improvement over the O. I prefer the O in fact.
The B is a wonderful instrument and a massive improvement. As a point of interest have you tried a Yamaha S6? Many players find they're a real B alternative, although I am witnessing a bit of premature action wear in a few examples that have seen heavy use.
The B is a wonderful instrument and a massive improvement. As a point of interest have you tried a Yamaha S6? Many players find they're a real B alternative, although I am witnessing a bit of premature action wear in a few examples that have seen heavy use.
PG
The opinion above is purely that of PianoGuy and is simply the opinion of one person ....
If you're buying a piano, try as many as you can and buy the one you like, not a similar one of the same type.
The opinion above is purely that of PianoGuy and is simply the opinion of one person ....
If you're buying a piano, try as many as you can and buy the one you like, not a similar one of the same type.
Re: Steinway model O or B?
get the B. no contest.
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hammer man
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Re: Steinway model O or B?
To be honest I would seriously look at Bosendorfers before you buy.
Re: Steinway model O or B?
They are not in the same league on quality,durability,tonality,tuning stability and build quality,may be in the same price range,there as only been one Bosendorfer grand piano sale in the U.K in 18 months do you want me to continue.hammer man wrote:To be honest I would seriously look at Bosendorfers before you buy.
Re: Steinway model O or B?
Bosendorfers are nice but next to a B there's no comparison imo. I'd rather have a well set up Yamaha. With a first class tech the humble C3 can be made to play and sound amazing (so good I just bought one). Most, however, are not set up well enough.
If you've got the cash, just go S&S, and B if you possibly can. It'll be worth more in 20 years than you paid new. All other German pianos will depreciate like a Rover 75.
WHen it's installed I'd love to come and have a go. Anywhere near Derbyshire?
Good luck,
MV.
If you've got the cash, just go S&S, and B if you possibly can. It'll be worth more in 20 years than you paid new. All other German pianos will depreciate like a Rover 75.
WHen it's installed I'd love to come and have a go. Anywhere near Derbyshire?
Good luck,
MV.
Re: Steinway model O or B?
Model V wrote:All other German pianos will depreciate like a Rover 75.
I love those! A real British car in spite of BMW design input!
PG
The opinion above is purely that of PianoGuy and is simply the opinion of one person ....
If you're buying a piano, try as many as you can and buy the one you like, not a similar one of the same type.
The opinion above is purely that of PianoGuy and is simply the opinion of one person ....
If you're buying a piano, try as many as you can and buy the one you like, not a similar one of the same type.
Re: Steinway model O or B?
You can certainly get 'em cheap. A lot of car for the money.PianoGuy wrote:Model V wrote:All other German pianos will depreciate like a Rover 75.
I love those! A real British car in spite of BMW design input!
BTW, nice to have you back regularly, PG
Last edited by Model V on 23 Aug 2009, 23:27, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Steinway model O or B?
Really valuable insights everyone thank you plus a great sense of humour. That Bluthner A seems to be a Rover too only a year old and been offered 50% in part ex. Sorry we are in Somerset but you are always welcome to pop in if you are passing. The B has been voiced sweetly for a smaller room so I guess i will have go play it again. I also presume from what you are saying is that extra foot on the B does not mean a huge difference in volume.
Re: Steinway model O or B?
You know, it will mean the extra difference in the volume WHEN YOU NEED IT.
you know how a stereo amplifier with greater output power sounds clearer at low volume than one with low output? And when you want to crank it up it wont distort? It's a bit like that with pianos. Although I would say that a full size concert grand is a different kettle of fish.
Incidentally I happen to LOVE Bosendorfers.
you know how a stereo amplifier with greater output power sounds clearer at low volume than one with low output? And when you want to crank it up it wont distort? It's a bit like that with pianos. Although I would say that a full size concert grand is a different kettle of fish.
Incidentally I happen to LOVE Bosendorfers.
Re: Steinway model O or B?
had an opportunity yesterday to play 5 Os and 2 Bs at the same time - no in the same room not stretching he he and clearly no contest. The B is a different landscape entirely. I just wondered if any of you piano professionals know of people having a B in their living room - mine room is 5 meters by 7 meters.
Re: Steinway model O or B?
Well, I have a Brodmann 187 (model A size) in a room much smaller than that, so I don't think you'll have any problem. The piano is voiced to be fairly mellow and there is soft furnishing in the room. Also, no complaints from the neighbours, I live in a small flat in Dundee.
Re: Steinway model O or B?
Gosh you must play better than me then he he. We are detached in the country with neighbours a few hundred meters away so no problem on that score. I was just worried about the sound being too much in such a space but have to admit the B is so much better to play than the 0
joseph wrote:Well, I have a Brodmann 187 (model A size) in a room much smaller than that, so I don't think you'll have any problem. The piano is voiced to be fairly mellow and there is soft furnishing in the room. Also, no complaints from the neighbours, I live in a small flat in Dundee.
Re: Steinway model O or B?
JDI.
You have PM.
You have PM.